Places To Get Testosterone Checked Clinically

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age in males. Some health professionals claim that a clinical syndrome of testosterone deficiency, or andropause, is being under diagnosed, which has led to dramatic increases in testosterone prescribing and testing in many countries. Routine measurement of testosterone levels is not indicated in older males. Testing should only be considered in males who have clinically significant signs and symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism.

• Testosterone and ageing
• Testosterone deficiency in older males
• Measuring testosterone levels
• Testosterone replacement for late-onset hypogonadism in males
• References

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Testosterone and ageing

Testosterone production in males is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which causes the anterior pituitary to produce luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). LH then stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. The process is controlled by a negative feedback loop, with testosterone inhibiting the frequency and amplitude of hypothalamic and anterior pituitary secretions. The majority of testosterone is inactivated in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, approximately 4% is converted to dihydrotestosterone via a reductase enzyme and 0.2% to oestradiol via the enzyme aromatase.¹

Testosterone levels in males decline at the rate of approximately 1% per year from age forty years.² Interpretation of the clinical significance of this is controversial. Some health professionals (predominantly in North America) claim that a clinical syndrome, referred to as "andropause", is being under diagnosed. Conversely, other health professionals describe this age-related decline in testosterone as merely a barometer of natural ageing. There is therefore no consensus on the prevalence of clinically significant testosterone deficiency in the older male population.

The two schools of thought have also resulted in discrepancies in prescribing practice in different countries. Between 1994 and 2003, testosterone prescription sales in the United States increased by 1700%, while remaining relatively constant in Europe.^3,4 Increases in the volume of testosterone prescriptions have been recently reported in Australia,⁵ however, this trend is not apparent in New Zealand.

Significant increases in the volume of testosterone prescribed means a similar increase in laboratory testing of testosterone and other hormones. This article provides guidance on when it is appropriate to investigate suspected late-onset hypogonadism in males aged over 40 years.

"Andropause" and disease mongering

Recent articles in the Medical Journal of Australia suggest that testosterone is being over prescribed in Australia due to successful marketing by pharmaceutical companies.^6,7

From 1992 - 2010 the volume of testosterone prescribed per month in Australia increased by 1.5 to 4.3 times (depending on the State).⁵ It was concluded that improved diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is unlikely to account for the majority of this increase and that it is more likely that it is being driven by the use of testosterone for non-approved indications, such as "andropause" and male sexual dysfunction.

Testosterone deficiency in older males

Testosterone deficiency that occurs in association with advancing age is termed late-onset hypogonadism. The symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism (Table 1) are often non-specific, with a weak overall association with testosterone levels.⁸ A 2010 study of over 3000 males aged 40 to 79 years found that the combined sexual symptoms of poor morning erection, low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance) were useful in diagnosing testosterone deficiency, in combination with laboratory testing of testosterone levels.⁸

Table 1: Signs and symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency in males9
More specific	Less specific
Decreased or absent early morning erection Reduced libido Erectile dysfunction Breast discomfort, gynaecomastia Loss of facial, axillary and pubic hair Testicular atrophy Infertility Height loss, low velocity fractures, low bone mineral density Hot flushes, sweats	Decreased energy, motivation and confidence (vitality) Depressed mood Poor concentration and memory Sleep disturbance and increased sleepiness Mild anaemia Reduced muscle bulk and strength Increased body fat Decreased physical performance
N.B. All of these signs and symptoms can be indicative of causes other than hypogonadism. Signs and symptoms should be interpreted in the context of the entire clinical picture.

Primary and secondary hypogonadism

Late-onset hypogonadism can result from primary or secondary causes, which can be due to congenital abnormalities or acquired disease. In some cases, both primary and secondary causes are present, particularly in people with long-term systemic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis or chronic lung disease.

Primary hypogonadism is when there is decreased testosterone production due to a testicular abnormality. This may occur, for example, after infection or chemotherapy and in a small percentage of males with advancing age. Primary hypogonadism is characterised by elevated LH due to the reduced negative feedback effect of testosterone.

Secondary hypogonadism results from disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, e.g. tumours, or congenital or genetic conditions. Secondary hypogonadism is characterised by low, or lower than expected, serum LH levels in combination with low testosterone levels.

Free, bio-available and total testosterone

Only 1 - 2% of circulating testosterone is not bound to protein. This fraction is termed free testosterone.¹¹ Approximately 40 - 50% of circulating testosterone is weakly bound to albumin.¹¹ The free and albumin-bound testosterone is referred to as bio-available. The remaining testosterone in circulation is strongly bound to SHBG. The amount of SHBG in circulation therefore influences the amount of bio-available testosterone. SHBG can be altered by factors such as age, hepatic cirrhosis and hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, obesity and the use of anticonvulsants.⁹ Total testosterone refers to circulating, bio-available and SHBG-bound testosterone.

Measuring testosterone levels

Measurement of total serum testosterone (see panel opposite) is generally sufficient to diagnose testosterone deficiency. Assays which directly measure free testosterone are not recommended due to poor reliability, although free testosterone can be calculated through additional testing in rare cases where unusually high or low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels may be expected, e.g. patients with hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis or taking anticonvulsants.¹⁰

Who should be considered for testing?

Testosterone testing should only be considered for males who display symptoms and signs clinically suggestive of hypogonadism. Routine testosterone testing in older males is not recommended, as the results in the absence of symptoms are unlikely to influence management.

Before considering investigating for late-onset hypo-gonadism, rule out factors that can cause a transitory drop in testosterone levels and may explain the current symptoms. This includes co-existing acute or chronic illness, long-term use of medicines, e.g. opioids or corticosteroids, high alcohol intake, illicit drug use, eating disorders or excessive exercise.⁹

Erectile dysfunction is common in males aged over 40 years and may be a reason for patients to request a testosterone test.¹² However, routine testing of testosterone levels in males with erectile dysfunction in the absence of other symptoms of late-onset hypogonadism is not recommended.¹³ Although late-onset hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction both become more common with age (and will often co-exist), the two disorders have distinct pathophysiology and erectile dysfunction is only rarely ever caused by low testosterone levels.⁹ Erectile dysfunction is most frequently caused by neurological or vascular disease, some medicines (e.g. antidepressants or antihypertensives) or psychosexual factors.¹³ Testosterone treatment for erectile dysfunction is only effective (and indicated) if the cause is a testosterone deficiency.^9,13

For further information see: "Selected topics in Men's Health" Best Tests (Sept, 2010) and "Erectile dysfunction", BPJ 12 (Apr, 2008).

Obesity in males is associated with decreased testosterone levels.¹⁴ However, testing of testosterone levels in obese males, who do not display symptoms of hypogonadism, is not recommended, as treatment in the absence of symptoms is unlikely to be of significant benefit. The relationship between obesity and hypogonadism is complex as low testosterone is both a cause and consequence of obesity.¹⁵

Investigating testosterone concentration

Blood samples should be taken in the early morning as serum levels in males, particularly younger males, vary throughout the day, e.g. highest at 8 am and lowest at 8 pm.¹⁶ The reference range for total serum testosterone concentration in adult males differs between laboratories. An approximate range is 8 - 35 nmol/L, however, if there is doubt the reporting laboratory should be consulted. Work is currently in progress internationally to standardise testosterone assays and reference ranges.

Interpreting serum testosterone results

If a single early morning testosterone level is within the reference range then no further testing is required.

Testosterone levels below the reference range should be considered in the context of the patient's symptoms. Low testosterone levels require at least one repeat test, as 30% of males with a mildly subnormal level will have a normal level when the test is repeated.¹⁷ Acute illness or recent alcohol intake can also affect testosterone levels.

The level of testosterone below which adverse health outcomes emerge in older men is unknown.⁸ However, it is generally agreed that clinically relevant symptoms and a testosterone level below 8 nmol/L are required for a diagnosis of late-onset hypogonadism.⁸

If a low testosterone level is detected, serum LH should be measured, along with the confirmatory testosterone test. Serum LH and FSH can be used to distinguish primary from secondary hypogonadism. However, unless fertility is an issue, measurement of LH levels alone is sufficient.15 LH and testosterone levels can be interpreted as follows:

• Primary hypogonadism is suggested by elevated LH levels and a consistently low or borderline testosterone level.
• N.B. the testosterone reference range is population based, therefore for some individuals the serum testosterone may fall within the reference range, but is low for them - as revealed by the high LH.
• Secondary hypogonadism is suggested by low LH or an inappropriately normal LH in the context of consistently low testosterone levels
• Low LH with a clearly normal testosterone level suggests significant illness or exogenous supplementation

Where secondary hypogonadism is suspected, a serum prolactin test should be requested as prolactinoma is a common type of pituitary tumour, which may be the cause of secondary hypogonadism.

All patients with suspected hypogonadism should be referred to an endocrinologist to confirm the diagnosis and to discuss treatment options. In patients with suspected secondary hypogonadism, assessment for anterior pituitary dysfunction and MRI may be considered to exclude the possibility of pituitary tumours.⁹ Testosterone replacement should not be commenced until assessment has taken place, as treatment is likely to suppress endogenous production of testosterone and alter any subsequent testosterone measurement.

Testosterone replacement for late-onset hypogonadism in males

A three month trial of testosterone replacement may be considered in patients with clinically significant symptoms of hypogonadism and reproducible biochemical evidence of a testosterone deficiency, following a detailed discussion of the risks and benefits of treatment.⁹ It is recommended that testosterone is initiated in consultation with an endocrinologist. Testosterone replacement treatment for hypogonadism is likely to be life-long if it provides benefit to the patient (after the treatment trial).

Before testosterone treatment is commenced a clinical history of prostate symptoms should be taken, a digital rectal examination of the prostate conducted and PSA and full blood count (to assess haematocrit) requested.

Testosterone replacement is generally not appropriate for males who have:⁹

• Diagnosed prostate or breast cancer
• Palpable prostate nodule or induration, or PSA > 4 ug/L (> 3 ug/L in males with an elevated risk of prostate cancer, e.g. first-degree relative with prostate cancer)
• Severe lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy
• An elevated haematocrit (> 50%)
• Untreated severe sleep apnoea
• Poorly controlled heart failure

There is no convincing evidence that testosterone treatment is causally associated with the development of new prostate cancer, however, occult prostate cancer should be actively excluded before treatment begins.

Testosterone should not be prescribed to males who wish to conceive or to treat male infertility. Testosterone within the testes is required for spermatogenesis, however, exogenous testosterone will decrease sperm production through the negative feedback effect of testosterone on gonadotropins.⁹

Testosterone replacement treatment is not indicated for males with testosterone levels which are intermittently low, or with low levels caused by medicines or lifestyle factors (e.g. drug or alcohol misuse, excessive exercise).⁹

The most significant adverse effects associated with testosterone treatment are prostatic hypertrophy and polycythaemia, which may occur within three months of treatment initiation.^9,18 Mild hyperbilirubinaemia has also been reported.

Evidence of adverse effects associated with testosterone replacement

A 2010 meta-analysis of studies of adult men with low testosterone levels found that testosterone treatment was associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of polycythaemia and small, but significant reductions in HDL cholesterol.¹⁹ However, the same analysis did not find significant effects on all-cause mortality, prostatic or urological outcomes or cardiovascular events. In contrast, the Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations (TOM) trial found significantly increased cardiovascular-related adverse effects in 23 of 106 men receiving testosterone treatment, compared to six of 103 receiving placebo. This resulted in the trial being halted early. However, this study has been criticised for its small sample size and the potentially elevated cardiovascular risk of participants at baseline.

Androgen misuse

Unexpected testosterone, LH, FSH and SHBG levels can result from illicit use of androgens ("anabolic steroids"). Classic symptoms include truncal acne, excessive muscularity, testicular atrophy and gynaecomastia, usually in association with obsessive and intense exercise regimens. Consider asking specific questions regarding androgen misuse to males who display these behaviours and signs. Males who are currently using androgens may have elevated testosterone and suppressed LH, FSH and SHBG. Suppression of testosterone as well as LH, FSH and SHBG can indicate a recent history of androgen misuse.⁴ The rate of recovery from HPG axis suppression is dependent on the duration and severity of the misuse, but will generally occur within 12 months after cessation of androgens.⁴

Prescribing testosterone

In New Zealand, testosterone is available in the following forms:

• Orally as testosterone undecanoate, e.g. initially 120 - 160 mg daily for two to three weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of 40 - 120 mg daily.²⁰ This preparation is poorly absorbed and should be taken in divided doses with food. Depending on baseline testosterone levels, treatment may be started at a lower dose to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
• Testosterone patches, e.g. two 2.5 mg/day patches applied before bed.²¹ This often causes local skin irritation and can be poorly tolerated.
• Injectable (intramuscular) - either long-acting testosterone cypionate or testosterone esters, e.g. 50 - 400 mg testosterone cypionate every two to four weeks.²² Reandron is a very long-acting injectable form of testosterone undecanoate, which has the advantage of 10 - 12 weekly administration, but is not subsidised.

Prescriptions for oral and injectable testosterone require consultation with and recommendation from an endocrinologist (or other relevant specialist) in order to be subsidised. Testosterone patches are fully-subsidised, without restriction. However, it is recommended that any testosterone preparations are prescribed in consultation with an endocrinologist.

Follow-up is recommended after three months in order to assess the effect of treatment, ask about adverse effects and alter the dose if necessary.

Testosterone replacement treatment, particularly injections, can be associated with a placebo effect, therefore a second follow-up three months later is recommended to ensure that any benefits of treatment are sustained.

Within the first three to six months of treatment, a PSA test and a digital prostate examination should occur. This should be repeated annually if treatment continues.¹⁵ If the PSA is significantly elevated then discussion with an urologist is recommended.

The role of testosterone measurement in patients on testosterone treatment is not clear. Routine monitoring of testosterone levels is not required. However, in patients using injectable preparations, it may be useful to determine their trough level immediately prior to administering their next dose. The target testosterone concentration is in the mid-normal range. For example a concentration of 14 to 24 nmol/L is recommended for patients receiving testosterone cypionate injections.⁹

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Thank you to Dr Cam Kyle, Clinical Director of Biochemistry and Immunology, Diagnostic Medlab, Auckland and Associate Professor Geoff Braatvedt, Physician and Endocrinologist, Department of Medicine, University of Auckland for expert guidance in developing this article

References

1. Allan CA, McLachlan RI. Testosterone deficiency in men. Diagnosis and management. Aust Fam Physician 2003;32(6):422-7.
2. Feldman HA, Longcope C, Derby CA, et al. Age trends in the level of serum testosterone and other hormones in middle-aged men: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts male aging study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002;87(2):589-98.
3. Bhasin S, Singh AB, Mac RP, et al. Managing the risks of prostate disease during testosterone replacement therapy in older men: recommendations for a standardized monitoring plan. J Androl 2003;24(3):299-311.
4. Handelsman DJ. Androgen misuse and abuse. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011;25(2):377-89.
5. Handelsman DJ. Pharmacoepidemiology of testosterone prescribing in Australia, 1992-2010. Med J Aust 2012;196(10):642-5.
6. Katelaris A. Testosterone up. A case of disease mongering? Med J Aust 2012;196(10):611.
7. Vitry AI, Mintzes B. Disease mongering and low testosterone in men: the tale of two regulatory failures. Med J Aust 2012;196(10):619-21.
8. Wu FCW, Tajar A, Beynon JM, et al. Identification of late-onset hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly men. N Engl J Med 2010;363(2):123-35.
9. The Endocrine Society. Testosterone therapy in adult men with androgen deficiency syndromes: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010;95(6):2536-59.
10. Editor: Kyle C. A handbook for the interpretation of laboratory tests. 4th ed. Diagnostic Medlab; 2008.
11. Kaufman JM, Vermeulen A. The decline of androgen levels in elderly men and its clinical and therapeutic implications. Endocr Rev 2005;26(6):833-76.
12. Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, et al. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol 1994;151(1):54-61.
13. Jack G, Zeitlin SI. The role of routine serum testosterone testing: routine hormone analysis is not indicated as an initial screening test in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction. Rev Urol 2004;6(4):203-6.
14. Mulligan T, Frick MF, Zuraw QC, et al. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract 2006;60(7):762-9.
15. Dandona P, Rosenberg MT. A practical guide to male hypogonadism in the primary care setting. Int J Clin Pract 2010;64(6):682-96.
16. Bremner WJ, Vitiello MV, Prinz PN. Loss of circadian rhythmicity in blood testosterone levels with aging in normal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1983;56(6):1278-81.
17. Brambilla DJ, O'Donnell AB, Matsumoto AM, McKinlay J. Intraindividual variation in levels of serum testosterone and other reproductive and adrenal hormones in men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2007;67(6):853-62.
18. Snyder PJ, Peachey H, Berlin JA, et al. Effects of testosterone replacement in hypogonadal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2000;85(8):2670-7.
19. Fernández-Balsells MM, Murad MH, Lane M, et al. Clinical review 1: Adverse effects of testosterone therapy in adult men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010;95(6):2560-75.
20. Arrow Pharmaceuticals Limited. Testosterone - Medicine data sheet. 2010. Available from: www.medsafe.govt.nz (Accessed Jun, 2012).
21. Hospira NZ Limited. Androderm. 2009. Available from: www.medsafe.govt.nz (Accessed Jun, 2012).
22. Pfizer New Zealand Ltd. Depo Testosterone: Testosterone cypinoate injection. 2011. Available from: www.medsafe.govt.nz (Accessed Jun, 2012).

Places To Get Testosterone Checked Clinically

Source: https://bpac.org.nz/BT/2012/June/06_testosterone.aspx

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Los Mejores Sueros De Vitamina C

En los últimos años, la vitamina C se ha vuelto un ingrediente indispensable en las rutinas de belleza de muchas personas, lo cual está totalmente justificado, ya que se ha certificado como un agente anti oxidante, con propiedades anti edad y además un escudo protector ante daños generados por la radiación solar sobre el ADN de las células de la piel.

Por esta razón, el mercado actualmente ofrece gran variedad de suplementos en presentación de sérum que contienen alta concentración de vitamina C, por lo que la mayoría de los usuarios le resulta difícil delimitar la mejor opción entre todas.

Con la finalidad de ayudarte durante el proceso, a continuación, se presenta una selección con 8 suplementos diferentes que sin duda se encuentran en la lista del mejor sérum de vitamina C.

¿Cuál es el mejor sérum de vitamina C?

Aunque actualmente existen muchos sueros de vitamina C para diferentes tipos de piel, todos ofrecen los mismos beneficios como disminuir las líneas de expresión, arrugas, proteger las células de radicales libres y contribuir a la regeneración de colágeno.

Este último punto es de vital importancia, ya que el colágeno es una proteína que ayuda a suavizar arrugas, iluminar la tez, combatir el envejecimiento cutáneo, flexibilizar la piel, minimizar el enrojecimiento y proteger las células de contaminantes externos.

Por ende, el mejor sérum debe moldearse a tu piel y contener altas dosis de vitamina C, coadyuvado por ingredientes naturales que favorezcan la producción de colágeno en el cuerpo.

A continuación te presentamos los mejores suplementos de sérum con Vitamina C:

1. CeraVe – Sérum de vitamina C con ácido hialurónico

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Empecemos por este gran sérum de vitamina C fabricado por CeraVe, el cual se distingue por contener 10% de vitamina C pura junto a vitamina B5, ceramidas y ácido hialurónico.

Esos 3 componentes permiten que el sérum aclare visiblemente la piel y provea todos los anti oxidantes necesarios para proteger tus células de contaminantes externos, incluido los dañinos rayos emitidos por el sol. Además, ayuda a restaurar la barrera protectora de la piel.

Su presentación se encuentra libre de fragancia. Aporta invaluables beneficios como: reducir las líneas de expresión en la piel y suavizar la tez, por lo que es bastante apropiada para personas con piel seca.

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2. La Roche-Posay – Pura vitamina C10

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Esta marca suele producir cosméticos de buena calidad y su sérum no es la excepción, porque incluye 10% de vitamina C totalmente pura y combinada con neurosensina calmante y ácido salicílico.

Juntos, estos componentes potencian la eficacia de la vitamina C e incrementan su penetración en la piel. Sumado a eso, los ingredientes son formulados bajo pH fisiológico (casi idéntico al cutáneo), convirtiéndolo en un producto especialmente recomendable para pieles sensibles.

Es algo costoso, pero el precio se compensa por sus grandes resultados. Pruébalo y notarás cómo mejora la elasticidad de tu piel, se restaura la pigmentación del cutis y reducen las líneas cutáneas.

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3. Poppy Austin – Sérum de vitamina C para el rostro

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Este sérum es probablemente el más orgánico de la lista comparativa, ya que se formula con 18% de vitamina C pura, ácido hialurónico vegano, aceite de jojoba, Aloe Vera, Gotu Kola, Geranio y diente de león, además es totalmente libre de parabenos y colorantes artificiales.

Gracias a esa particular fórmula, el sérum es apto para cualquier tipo de piel, tiene una elevada protección de anti oxidantes, reduce el 96% de células quemadas por el sol y protege de la contaminación causada por el mismo.

Este sérum ataca eficazmente las imperfecciones y líneas cutáneas hasta suavizarlas, hidrata instantáneamente la piel, aclara la pigmentación hormonal y estimula el colágeno, y por su fuera poco, se exhibe a un precio ampliamente accesible.

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4. Sesderma – C-Vit Sérum Hidratante

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El suero para la cara de Sesderma se especializa en reducir el envejecimiento cutáneo, y para conseguir ese objetivo, lo han formulado con ácido azelaico, azeloglicina y 8% de vitamina C pura, junto a un pH de 6.5.

Dicho de forma simplificada, esa fórmula permite que el sérum reduzca el enrojecimiento de la piel y en consecuencia, le devuelva su equilibrio. Pero eso no es todo, porque también reduce el acné y las manchas que deja, hidrata el cutis, restaura la firmeza del rostro y suaviza las líneas de expresión.

Como plus, es apto para cualquier tipo de piel. Con aplicar 4 gotas, 2 veces por día, notarás los resultados en poco tiempo.

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5. Babaria – Sérum de vitamina C

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Este sérum es el menos costoso de la lista, pero eso no afecta su calidad porque es un potente anti oxidante que protege incluso de la radiación emitida por dispositivos celulares. Sumado a eso, incrementa los niveles de colágeno y ácido hialurónico, mejorando la flexibilidad de la piel y dejando un efecto anti edad en ella.

Elimina eficazmente las manchas en la piel, equilibra la pigmentación cutánea y como plus, es apto para el uso en todas las pieles y edades. Todos estos beneficios los obtiene gracias a su fórmula compuesta por un activo derivado de la vitamina C y mezclada con vitamina E.

Sin dejar de mencionar, su atractivo precio que lo cataloga como uno de los más económicos del mercado.

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6. Mad Hippie – Sérum de vitamina C

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A diferencia de los demás sueros, este se formula con una mezcla de 10% de vitamina C pura, raíz de konjac y ácido hialurónico. Por fortuna, semejante combinación le proporciona un avanzado cuidado a la piel.

Este sérum dejará tu piel con un brillo natural, reducirá el enrojecimiento e hidratará profundamente el cutis. Se absorbe rápidamente y es libre de esencias, por lo que no irritará tu piel al aplicarlo, por lo tanto es apto para piel sensible.

Exhibe una excelente relación-calidad precio, certificada por la gran mayoría de sus compradores quienes le otorgan una opinión positiva.

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7. Florence – Sérum con vitamina C y vitamina E

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Actualmente, el sérum de Florence es el más vendido y no es de extrañar porque tiene una fórmula altamente hidratante y enriquecida con vitamina C, vitamina E, aceite de jojoba virgen, ácido hialurónico y Aloe Vera.

Gracias a dicha composición, este sérum remueve las manchas causadas por el sol y las marcas del acné, reduce las patas de gallo y el envejecimiento de la piel, acelera la regeneración celular, incrementa el colágeno, hidrata la piel y la protege mediante anti oxidantes naturales.

Es apto para todas las pieles, barato y se puede aplicar en la cara, cuello y escote.

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8. Satin Naturel – Sérum de vitamina C orgánico con ácido hialurónico

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Por último, pero no menos importante, tenemos el sérum aclarador de Satin Naturel que se caracteriza por contener 30% de vitamina C acompañada de ácido ascórbico, ácido ferúlico, vitamina E y extractos botánicos.

Todos sus componentes son de origen orgánico, vegano y libre de parabenos. Como resultado, se obtiene un sérum que reduce la hiperpigmentación, trata las manchas oscuras bajo los ojos, actúa contra las líneas cutáneas, protege de contaminantes externos, estimula el colágeno en la piel y suaviza las cicatrices, además de hidratar la tez.

Acabarás con una piel uniforme y rejuvenecida, acompañada de un rostro radiante y más elástico. Totalmente recomendado este sérum.

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¿Qué tipo de sérum encaja con tu tipo de piel?

Si tienes piel grasa o normal, busca un sérum que tenga ácido L-ascórbico como componente principal. Ahora bien, para pieles secas se suele recomendar sueros con fosfato de ascorbilo de magnesio, mientras que para pieles sensibles se recomiendan fosfato de ascorbilo de sodio.

¿Qué tipo de derivado de la vitamina C encaja con tu tipo de piel?

Existen varios derivados de vitamina C que suelen encontrarse en los sueros e influyen mucho en tu piel. Así que, antes de adquirir cualquier sérum, lee qué derivados incluye en su fórmula y verifica que estos beneficien a tu piel.

El primero es ácido L-ascórbico (LAA). Este es el derivado de vitamina C más fuerte, pero es muy sensible a la luz y al aire, por lo que es más propenso a la oxidación. Los sueros suelen tener concentración de LAA que radica entre el 15% y 20%. Cualquier concentración más alta que esa puede causar irritación en la piel.

El LAA se formula a un nivel de pH de entre 2.5 a 3, puede promover la elaboración de colágeno y proporcionar altas propiedades anti oxidantes. Se recomienda principalmente para aquellos con piel normal o grasosa.

Luego sigue el fosfato de ascorbilo de magnesio (MAP). Este es más estable que el LAA, ya que se degrada más lentamente cuando se expone al aire y la luz y su concentración recomendada está entre 3% y el 15%.

Se formula con un pH de 7 a 8, puede tratar problemas de hiper pigmentación y aumentar los niveles de colágeno. Es apto para todas las pieles y soluble en agua.

Después sigue el fosfato de ascorbilo de sodio (SAP) que a su vez, es mucho más estable que LAA y MAP porque tiene una vida útil más larga, pero es posible que deba protegerse contra la exposición excesiva a la luz y al aire.

Para una absorción máxima, su nivel de pH debe estar en 6.5 y debe tener una concentración de entre el 3% y 15%. El SAP puede ayudar con el control de la grasa, combatir las bacterias que causan el acné y atenuar los signos de inflamación.

Es soluble en agua y es la opción más segura para todo tipo de pieles, sobre todo para aquellas pieles sensibles y que padecen de acné.

Luego sigue el polipéptido de ácido ascórbico (AAP), que se distingue por ser muy estable y convertirse fácilmente en vitamina C cuando la piel lo absorbe. Es soluble en agua, pero no es el mejor derivado para quienes buscan más vitamina C.

Más adelante está el palmitato de ascorbilo (AP), que sorpresivamente es más estable que el LAA. Es eficaz en altas concentraciones, pero no es ácido. Aunque sí es liposoluble y puede funcionar con cualquier tipo de piel.

Para finalizar se menciona el ascorbil glucosamina (AG). Este es soluble en agua y se usa más comúnmente como agente blanqueador de la piel. Sin embargo, se requiere más investigación para su concentración recomendada.

Criterios de compra del sérum de vitamina C

Como dije antes, es importante evaluar los factores determinantes de calidad al momento de adquirir un sérum de vitamina C. Por suerte para ti, seguidamente hemos enumerado los aspectos más relevantes que debes considerar antes de comprar este producto. Así que lee detenidamente y toma nota.

Tipo de piel

Sobra decir que las características de la piel no son las mismas para todo el mundo. Por lo tanto, las necesidades de todos serán diferentes y esas diferencias controlarán nuestra elección de cosméticos, incluyendo los sueros de vitamina C.

Para empezar, las pieles grasosas necesitan cosméticos ligeros, bajos en aceite y no comedogénicos, así que los sueros con textura en gel son ideales.

Por otro lado, las pieles secas requieren un alto nivel de hidratación, así que los sueros cremosos son la opción apropiada.

Finalmente, las pieles mixtas combinan regiones más grasas y secas, así que para estas se recomienda una textura intermedia en gel.

Edad

El sérum de vitamina C aporta múltiples beneficios a la piel, entre los que se destaca especialmente su poder anti edad. Es por ese motivo que el sérum está indicado para pieles de cierta madurez y su uso no se recomienda en pieles jóvenes.

De hecho, los expertos en dermatología aconsejan que se use a partir de los 30 años. Una vez que llegamos a los 30, podemos empezar a utilizar sueros con acciones específicas, por ejemplo, para pieles más maduras, existen sueros anti envejecimiento muy eficaces.

Objetivo

Actualmente podemos encontrar diferentes sueros con propiedades y funciones específicas. Gracias a esta variedad, podemos elegir el sérum que mejor se adapte a los resultados que deseamos obtener.

Si quieres reducir las líneas cutáneas y líneas de envejecimiento que surgen en la piel con la edad, los sueros anti edad serán tu mejor opción ya que combinan la vitamina C con otros potentes agentes anti arrugas, como el ácido hialurónico.

Ahora, si el problema principal son manchas en la piel, se recomiendan los sueros anti manchas porque incorporan vitamina C y otros compuestos despigmentantes que ayudarán a uniformizar el tono de la piel.

Si tu objetivo es conseguir una piel suave y uniforme, te recomendamos sueros microexfoliantes.

Composición

Es muy importante dedicar unos minutos a revisar la composición del sérum antes de comprarlo.

Primero, porque debes fijarte en la concentración de vitamina C. La concentración es beneficiosa cuando al menos de 8% en adelante. Cabe destacar, que concentraciones excesivamente altas (más del 20%) no producirán efectos adicionales y son potencialmente irritantes.

Segundo, debes analizar los demás ingredientes del suero. Ciertos compuestos séricos pueden tener un efecto irritante. Además, es fundamental descartar sustancias con riesgo de reacciones alérgicas o hipersensibilidad, y eso dependerá de las alergias que cada persona tenga y las características de estas.

¿Qué para qué sirve y beneficios del sérum de vitamina C en la cara

• Protege contra los rayos ultravioleta.
• Te otorga una piel iluminada.
• Te protege de contaminantes presentes en el medio ambiente.
• Combate la pigmentación y la opacidad, además de que se puede combinar con otros agentes como la soja y el regaliz para un mejor efecto despigmentante.
• Protege la piel contra ciertos tipos de radiación (como infrarrojos) que el protector solar no alcanza a proteger.
• Deja un efecto refrescante y aclarante.
• Otorga un tono más uniforme en la piel.
• Reduce la degradación del colágeno y aumenta la producción del mismo.
• Te otorga una piel más firme.

¿Cómo usar un suero de vitamina C?

La opción más común y recomendada es aplicar un sérum de vitamina C antes de salir de casa o por la mañana. Luego puedes complementarlo con tu humectante habitual y un protector solar, o en todo caso un humectante con protección solar.

Pero hagas lo que hagas, no olvides el protector solar porque la combinación de protector solar y un buen sérum de vitamina C mantiene tu piel a salvo del daño solar y de la contaminación. Así que nunca debes omitirlo en tu rutina matutina.

Claro, el sérum de vitamina C también puede ser parte de tu rutina nocturna, pero como dije antes, no dependas únicamente de este.

Entonces, puedes optar por usar vitamina C en la mañana y por la noche puedes elegir un ingrediente más fuerte para combatir las líneas cutáneas. Yo te recomiendo la vitamina A o el retinol, ya que estos aumentan la producción de colágeno, refuerzan la elasticidad de la piel y aclaran las manchas causadas por la exposición al sol.

---

Preguntas Frecuentes

¿Qué hace el suero de vitamina C en la piel?

Según muchos estudios, la vitamina C puede ayudar a proteger la piel de muchos problemas, incluidos quemaduras solares, fotoenvejecimiento, hiperpigmentación, líneas cutáneas, flacidez, sequedad y tono desigual de la piel.

¿Puedo usar el suero de vitamina C todos los días?

Sí. El suero de vitamina C se aplica típicamente una o dos veces al día. De hecho, una buena regla general es aplicarlo para limpiar y tonificar la piel, y luego lo puedes complementar con un hidratante.

Se puede utilizar de forma segura junto con otros ingredientes activos, pero ten en cuenta que si se usa junto con niacinamida, esta puede hacer que la vitamina C sea menos efectiva.

¿La vitamina C aclara la piel?

La vitamina C tiene efectos anti oxidantes, lo que significa que protege a las células de la piel de contaminantes causados por la exposición a los rayos ultravioleta.

También inhibe la producción de melanina en la piel, ayudando a aclarar la hiper pigmentación y las manchas marrones, igualando el tono de la piel y realzando la luminosidad de la misma.

¿Cuánto tiempo tarda el suero de vitamina C en actuar?

Una vez que agregues el sérum de vitamina C a tu régimen de cuidado de la piel, comenzarás a ver mejoras notables en tres semanas. Cabe destacar que el sérum de vitamina C puede ayudar significativamente a atenuar la hiper pigmentación en unos dos meses.

Fuentes:

• Vitamina C y su función inmunitaria – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/

• El papel de la vitamina C en la salud de la piel – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/

• La vitamina C tópica y la piel: Mecanismos de aplicación y aplicaciones clínicas – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/

• Efectos de la vitamina C en la inflamación y los marcadores metabólicos en adultos obesos hipertensos y/o diabéticos: Un estudio aleatorio controlado – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4492638/

Los Mejores Sueros De Vitamina C

Source: https://www.intelligentpharma.com/serum-de-vitamina-c/

On Desember 06, 2021 by Jerry

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Kirkland Vitamin C Expiration Date

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Whether in the form of a fizzy drink or flavored lozenges, cold and flu preventative supplements almost always highlight vitamin C as one of their key ingredients. So, what's so magical about vitamin C? Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is critical to living healthily. Since the human body cannot spontaneously generate this nutrient, vitamin C must instead be absorbed from outside sources, such as vitamin supplements or foods that are naturally rich in it.

Commonly found in cold and flu preventative supplements, vitamin C strengthens and speeds up immune system functionality. Though research does not indicate that vitamin C intake alone can prevent the onset of cold or flu, adequate daily intake may shorten the duration of an infection or lessen the severity of symptoms.

Photo Courtesy: Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment/Getty Images

Vitamin C is crucial for the maintenance of well being. For example, it plays a role in wound healing and helps maintain many essential body tissues. It also acts as a potent antioxidant and can repair damage from free radicals, which are linked to aging effects, and disease vulnerability. Additionally, vitamin C can also prevent anemia, since it helps the body increase absorption of dietary iron, another vital mineral that the body cannot spontaneously create.

Foods that contain high concentrations of vitamin C have been linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, like heart attack and stroke. Vitamin C can also increase levels of nitric oxide, a compound that widens blood vessels and, in turn, lowers blood pressure. In addition, regular intake of vitamin C, along with other vitamins, has been linked to a decreased risk for developing age-related cataracts, a leading cause of visual impairment in the United States.

Common Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C can be easily obtained through the many different foods, including:

Photo Courtesy: Akaradech Pramoonsin/Moment/Getty Images

• Citrus fruits and juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime and tangerine)
• Berries
• Melons
• Mangoes
• Kiwi
• Tomato
• Broccoli
• Red peppers
• Spinach
• Squash
• Potatoes

Cooking these foods may result in the loss of some of the vitamin content, so it is ideal to ingest them raw, either whole or juiced. Nowadays, there are also numerous packaged food products, like cereals, that have been enriched and fortified with vitamin C, so that the nutrient can be easily obtained.

Vitamin C may also be labeled as "L-ascorbic acid" in supplement form, and most over-the-counter multivitamins contain the recommended daily amount of the vitamin. While it is a good source when an individual is in need of a vitamin C boost, supplements are not meant to replace a diet rich in naturally derived vitamin C.

What Happens When You Have Too Much — or Too Little — Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be easily flushed out of the body via urination when it is not needed. Therefore, if the main source of vitamin C is from naturally occurring foods, it is near-impossible for excess vitamin C to produce side effects. However, taking excessive concentrated vitamin C supplements may lead to diarrhea or stomach upset.

Photo Courtesy: Violeta Stoimenova/E+/Getty Images

Since vitamin C-rich foods are so readily available nowadays, symptoms of inadequate vitamin C intake are also rare in the United States. However, malnourished individuals can experience symptoms of vitamin C deficiency over time, including:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Easy bruising
• Joint pain
• Skin breakdown
• Weakened tooth enamel
• Gum inflammation

Severe vitamin C deficiency is referred to as scurvy. Scurvy can be easily treated with increased dietary or supplemental vitamin C. Since vitamin C is crucial in the detoxification of the body, a lack of vitamin C can compromise the immune system and make an individual more susceptible to diseases and infections. Individuals with insufficient vitamin C may find that it takes longer than usual to recover from a cold or a physical wound.

Daily Dosage Recommendations:

The daily dosage recommendation for vitamin C is different for everyone, depending on factors such as gender, age, lifestyle and current health condition. The recommended daily dosage for vitamin C is at least 75 mg daily for women and 90 mg for men. Since people who are pregnant, breast feeding, smoking or using oral contraceptives have a lower blood level of vitamin C than others, larger doses of vitamin C may be needed to achieve optimal results in these individuals. Those who have prior or current medical conditions may also require bigger or smaller dosage levels, as recommended by their healthcare providers.

Resource Links:

• "Vitamin C" via MedlinePlus
• "Vitamin C and Infections" via MDPI
• "Extra Dose of Vitamin C Based on a Daily Supplementation Shortens the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis of 9 Randomized Controlled Trials" via Hindawi, BioMed Research International
• "Vitamin C" via National Institutes of Health
• "Scurvy" via U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, National Institutes of Health
• "Dietary intake and blood concentrations of antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies" via The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• "Dietary vitamin and carotenoid intake and risk of age-related cataract" via The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• "Cardiovascular System" via Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine (via Springer)

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Kirkland Vitamin C Expiration Date

Source: https://www.symptomfind.com/health/vitamin-c-everything-you-need-to-know?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740013%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

On Desember 06, 2021 by Jerry

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Is Extra Vitamin C Good For You

Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, meaning your body can't produce it. Yet, it has many roles and has been linked to impressive health benefits.

It's water-soluble and found in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and spinach.

The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men (1).

While it's commonly advised to get your vitamin C intake from foods, many people turn to supplements to meet their needs.

Here are 7 scientifically proven benefits of taking a vitamin C supplement.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can strengthen your body's natural defenses (2).

Antioxidants are molecules that boost the immune system. They do so by protecting cells from harmful molecules called free radicals.

When free radicals accumulate, they can promote a state known as oxidative stress, which has been linked to many chronic diseases (3).

Studies show that consuming more vitamin C can increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%. This helps the body's natural defenses fight inflammation (4, 5).

SUMMARY

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost your blood antioxidant levels. This may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.

Approximately one-third of American adults have high blood pressure (6).

High blood pressure puts you at risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death globally (7).

Studies have shown that vitamin C may help lower blood pressure in both those with and without high blood pressure.

An animal study found that taking a vitamin C supplement helped relax the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart, which helped reduce blood pressure levels (8).

Moreover, an analysis of 29 human studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper value) by 3.8 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower value) by 1.5 mmHg, on average, in healthy adults.

In adults with high blood pressure, vitamin C supplements reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.7 mmHg, on average (9).

While these results are promising, it's not clear whether the effects on blood pressure are long term. Moreover, people with high blood pressure should not rely on vitamin C alone for treatment.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C supplements have been found to lower blood pressure in both healthy adults and those with high blood pressure.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide (7).

Many factors increase the risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure, high triglyceride or LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

Vitamin C may help reduce these risk factors, which may reduce heart disease risk.

For example, an analysis of 9 studies with a combined 293,172 participants found that after 10 years, people who took at least 700 mg of vitamin C daily had a 25% lower risk of heart disease than those who did not take a vitamin C supplement (10).

Interestingly, another analysis of 15 studies found that consuming vitamin C from foods — not supplements — was linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

However, scientists were unsure whether people who consumed vitamin-C-rich foods also followed a healthier lifestyle than people who took a supplement. Thus, it remains unclear whether the differences were due to vitamin C or other aspects of their diet (11).

Another analysis of 13 studies looked at the effects of taking at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily on risk factors for heart disease, such as blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The analysis found that taking a vitamin C supplement significantly reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol by approximately 7.9 mg/dL and blood triglycerides by 20.1 mg/dL (12).

In short, it seems that taking or consuming at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, if you already consume a vitamin-C-rich diet, then supplements may not provide additional heart health benefits.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C supplements have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. These supplements may lower heart disease risk factors, including high blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Gout is a type of arthritis that affects approximately 4% of American adults (13).

It's incredibly painful and involves inflammation of the joints, especially those of the big toes. People with gout experience swelling and sudden, severe attacks of pain (14).

Gout symptoms appear when there is too much uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the body. At high levels, it may crystallize and deposit in the joints.

Interestingly, several studies have shown that vitamin C may help reduce uric acid in the blood and, as a result, protect against gout attacks.

For example, a study including 1,387 men found that those who consumed the most vitamin C had significantly lower blood levels of uric acid than those who consumed the least (15).

Another study followed 46,994 healthy men over 20 years to determine whether vitamin C intake was linked to developing gout. It found that people who took a vitamin C supplement had a 44% lower gout risk (16).

Additionally, an analysis of 13 studies found that taking a vitamin C supplement over 30 days significantly reduced blood uric acid, compared with a placebo (17).

While there appears to be a strong link between vitamin C intake and uric acid levels, more studies on the effects of vitamin C on gout are needed.

SUMMARY

Vitamin-C-rich foods and supplements have been linked to reduced blood uric acid levels and lower risk of gout.

Iron is an important nutrient that has a variety of functions in the body. It's essential for making red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Vitamin C supplements can help improve the absorption of iron from the diet. Vitamin C assists in converting iron that is poorly absorbed, such as plant-based sources of iron, into a form that is easier to absorb (18).

This is especially useful for people on a meat-free diet, as meat is a major source of iron.

In fact, simply consuming 100 mg of vitamin C may improve iron absorption by 67% (19).

As a result, vitamin C may help reduce the risk of anemia among people prone to iron deficiency.

In one study, 65 children with mild iron deficiency anemia were given a vitamin C supplement. Researchers found that the supplement alone helped control their anemia (20).

If you have low iron levels, consuming more vitamin-C-rich foods or taking a vitamin C supplement may help improve your blood iron levels.

SUMMARY

Vitamin C can improve the absorption of iron that is poorly absorbed, such as iron from meat-free sources. It may also reduce the risk of iron deficiency.

One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system.

First, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection (21).

Second, vitamin C helps these white blood cells function more effectively while protecting them from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals.

Third, vitamin C is an essential part of the skin's defense system. It's actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant and help strengthen the skin's barriers (22).

Studies have also shown that taking vitamin C may shorten wound healing time (23, 24).

What's more, low vitamin C levels have been linked to poor health outcomes.

For example, people who have pneumonia tend to have lower vitamin C levels, and vitamin C supplements have been shown to shorten the recovery time (25, 26).

SUMMARY

Vitamin C may boost immunity by helping white blood cells function more effectively, strengthening your skin's defense system, and helping wounds heal faster.

Dementia is a broad term used to describe symptoms of poor thinking and memory.

It affects over 35 million people worldwide and typically occurs among older adults (27).

Studies suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation near the brain, spine, and nerves (altogether known as the central nervous system) can increase the risk of dementia (28).

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant. Low levels of this vitamin have been linked to an impaired ability to think and remember (29, 30).

Moreover, several studies have shown that people with dementia may have lower blood levels of vitamin C (31, 32).

Furthermore, high vitamin C intake from food or supplements has been shown to have a protective effect on thinking and memory as you age (33, 34, 35).

Vitamin C supplements may aid against conditions like dementia if you don't get enough vitamin C from your diet. However, additional human studies are needed to understand the effects of vitamin C supplements on nervous system health (36).

SUMMARY

Low vitamin C levels have been linked to an increased risk of memory and thinking disorders like dementia, while a high intake of vitamin C from foods and supplements has been shown to have a protective effect.

While vitamin C has many scientifically proven benefits, it also has many unfounded claims supported by either weak evidence or no evidence at all.

Here are some unproven claims about vitamin C:

• Prevents the common cold. While vitamin C appears to reduce the severity of colds and recovery time by 8% in adults and 14% in children, it does not prevent them (37).
• Reduces cancer risk. A handful of studies have linked vitamin C intake to a lower risk of several cancers. However, most studies have found that vitamin C does not affect the risk of developing cancer (38).
• Protects against eye disease. Vitamin C has been linked to reduced risks of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. However, vitamin C supplements have no effect or may even cause harm (39, 40, 41).
• May treat lead toxicity. Although people with lead toxicity appear to have low vitamin C levels, there is no strong evidence from human studies that show vitamin C can treat lead toxicity (42).

SUMMARY

Although vitamin C has many proven benefits, it has not been shown to prevent the common cold, reduce cancer risk, protect against eye diseases, or treat lead toxicity.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that must be obtained from the diet or supplements.

It has been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.

Overall, vitamin C supplements are a great and simple way to boost your vitamin C intake if you struggle to get enough from your diet.

Is Extra Vitamin C Good For You

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits

On Desember 05, 2021 by Jerry

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How Much Vitamin C To Have A Miscarriage

• Hands Off Our Rights

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'Herbal abortions have been around for centuries. But its only with the rise of the internet that the Vitamin C method has really gained traction.'

Words by Pascale Day

As millennial women, most of us have never had to worry too much about how and where, if necessary, we would get an abortion.

Terminations have been legal in the UK since the late sixties and in America since Roe v. Wade in 1973 giving us the sense that it is our ineradicable right.

But now, for America at least, it seems that women must face the reality the right to an abortion is very much under threat. Last month President Trump passed a law that reinstated the global gag rule, depriving millions of vulnerable women worldwide from accessing reproductive health services.

For women in countries where healthcare comes at a cost, monetary or otherwise, the price of an abortion is often just too steep driving many who are desperate to wade into the treacherous waters of online medical advice, a world awash with pseudo-scientific DIY remedies.

In 2015, there were over 700,000 Google searches in the US that asked how to self-induce an abortion. Tens of thousands of those searches specified abortion using vitamin C or other herbs.

Herbal abortions have been around for centuries and, as a pamphlet from 1981 shows, vitamin C has been a noted abortifacient for decades. But it is only with the rise of the internet that the method has really gained traction.

The immediacy of the internet provides women with a wealth of options at breakneck speed: 'Vitamin C abortion' returns around 667,000 search results in 0.78 seconds. It's easier and quicker to ask Google or Reddit or even Twitter for anecdotal medical advice rather than to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

This, teamed with the fact that the stigma of abortion is still so deep-rooted that even doctors are afraid to train as abortion specialists, makes the internet, for some, a safe space to get abortion advice quickly and without judgement.

This vast number of Google searches in the US speak for themselves. However, restrictions on reproductive rights apply closer to home, too. Abortion in Ireland is illegal unless the life of the mother is at risk. So strict are their laws that in 2014, a 21-year-old woman in Northern Ireland who took abortion tablets bought online, received a suspended prison sentence after her housemates reported her to the police.

The Isle of Man, although less strict than Ireland, has laws with a number of restrictions that make the process difficult, and there are no organisations on the Isle of Man that can help to facilitate abortions.

Though a clinical abortion in the UK is legal, self-aborting is not. Barring Ireland, the UK has one of the harshest punishments for self-induced abortion than any other country in Europe, which, in extreme cases can lead to life imprisonment.

New data provided by BPAS from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency shows that there has been a huge shift in the number of women in England, Wales and Scotland looking to procure abortion pills, jumping from just 5 pills in 2013 to 275 in 2016. Last year, 645 abortion pills were seized on their way to UK addresses.

This is where the ascorbic acid comes in. Women are able to  get their hands on high doses of it. One blog claims that 6000mg of vitamin C each day for three days is sufficient. Standard tablets can contain anywhere between 200-1000mg of vitamin C.

Others suggest parsley tea or insertion of organic parsley directly into the vagina as a pessary.

On one site, Sister Zeus, the author offers the disclaimer that the information provided is 'not intended as a guide,' but goes on to provide step-by-step instructions on how to use herbs and vitamin C to induce an abortion, and writes copious analyses that are riddled with fallacies and factual blind spots. But medical experts strongly advise against following the advice of such sites and blogs which pose  serious health threats.

The appeal of vitamin C over other herbs might be that, whilst no one really knows the effects of large amounts of ascorbic acid on the body, it is considered generally less harmful than herbs like Pennyroyal, which in some cases has caused death. A 1970s study in a Russian scientific journal, considered the first and only real study of vitamin C as an abortifacient, concluded that the high levels of vitamin C stimulated the release of oestrogen, triggering a miscarriage, but did not have any harmful side effects short term.

But there are plenty of horror stories from women who have tried such techniques with devestating effects including incomplete abortions requiring urgent medical care.

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Sadly such accounts just illustrate the desperate lengths many women will go to when their rights to safe abortions is restricted. It is naïve to think that limiting a woman's access to clinical abortions means that there will be fewer abortions. Simplistically banning abortion doesn't stop desperate women from seeking them out and getting them. It just makes the experience more expensive, more dangerous,  and perhaps worst of all, more lonely.

How Much Vitamin C To Have A Miscarriage

Source: https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/vitamin-c-abortions-475994

On Desember 05, 2021 by Jerry

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How Does Vitamin C Lighten Hair

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You've dyed your hair and realized it has come out way too dark for your liking. Rather than panic, you can apply Vitamin C to your locks to lighten up the color! This method is safe for all hair types and should not result in hair damage. By applying a mixture of Vitamin C tablets and shampoo, you can take your hair color from too dark to just right.

1. 1

   Use white Vitamin C tablets for the best results. You can get white Vitamin C tablets at your local health food store or online. Look for ones with a white, rather than orange or red, coating, as this will ensure the color does not bled onto your hair when you use the tablets.^[1]

2. 2

   Put 10-30 tablets in a resealable plastic bag. If you have longer hair, you may need to use 20-30 tablets. If you have shorter hair, 10-15 tablets should be enough. Make sure the bag is sealed tightly and properly after you put the tablets in.

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3. 3

   Crush the tablets with a rolling pin. Put the bag of tablets on a flat surface like a table or countertop. Roll the rolling pin over the bag to crush the tablets until they form a fine powder.

   • Another option is to put the tablets in a spice grinder and grind them that way.

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1. 1

   Mix the crushed tablets and 3 to 4 tablespoons (44 to 59 ml) of shampoo in a bowl. Use clarifying shampoo that does not contain any dyes. If you have very long hair and crushed a higher number of Vitamin C tablets, you may need to use 5 to 6 tablespoons (74 to 89 ml) of shampoo. Combine the crushed tablets and the shampoo with a spoon until it forms a thick paste that has the consistency of glue.^[2]

2. 2

   Wet your hair with water and apply the paste. Use a spray bottle filled with warm water to wet your hair until it is damp to the touch, but not soaking wet. Apply the paste to your hair with clean fingers, massaging it in from root to tip. Make sure you cover your entire head with the paste.^[3]

   • If you have a lot of hair or long hair, you may need to apply the paste in sections to ensure every strand is covered. Just part your hair into 4-8 sections before beginning.
   • Do at least 1 coat of the paste on your entire head so your hair is well covered.

3. 3

   Put a shower cap over your hair and let it sit for at least 2 hours. This will give the Vitamin C paste enough time to absorb into your hair.^[4]

   • You can also sit under a hooded dryer or direct heat from a blow dryer at your hair to speed up the process.

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1. 1

   Rinse out the paste with water for at least 5 minutes. Put your head over a sink or stand in the shower. Make sure you rinse out the paste completely, as this will help the Vitamin C strip the color out of your hair.

2. 2

   Apply moisturizing conditioner to your hair if it tends to get dry or frizzy. If you notice your hair feels dry once you rinse out the paste, you can massage in moisturizing conditioner to give it a bit more moisture.^[5]

   • This can also be a good precautionary measure if your hair tends to get frizzy when you dry it, especially when it is dyed.

3. 3

   Dry your hair. If you usually use a blow dryer to dry your hair, use it to dry your hair so you can assess how light the dye faded due to the paste. If you prefer to let your hair air dry, let it hang loose for several hours or overnight.

   • If you blow dry your hair, use a heat protectant product to limit heat damage.

4. 4

   Repeat the process again if you want your dyed hair to appear lighter. You can apply the Vitamin C paste again if you want to lighten your hair further. It is safe to apply it 3-4 times in a row to lighten your hair, though the paste may dry out your hair and cause your scalp to flake or itch. Always follow up the paste with a moisturizing conditioner if you are using it multiple times in a row to protect your hair and scalp.^[6]

   • You can also try leaving the paste on your hair for longer than 2 hours at a time, though this can cause irritation if your have a sensitive scalp.

5. 5

   Finished.

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Add New Question

• Question

  What does vitamin C do for your hair?

  

  Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

  

  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Expert Answer

• Question

  Can vinegar take out hair dye?

  

  Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

  

  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Expert Answer

• Question

  How can you lighten your hair naturally?

  

  Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

  

  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Expert Answer

  

  Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

  Vinegar, honey, and lemon are three great natural lighteners. Mix lemon and honey together with some water in a spray bottle and spritz it on your hair. Process for 10-30 minutes for soft highlights.

• Question

  Will it work on hair that has been dyed black for years?

  

  Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

  

  Professional Hair Stylist

  Expert Answer

• Question

  Can I apply heat to the cap? Will it speed up the process?

  

  Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

  

  Professional Hair Stylist

  Expert Answer

• Question

  Can I apply vitamin C on my hair?

  

  Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.

  

  Professional Hair Stylist

  Expert Answer

• Question

  Can this work on permanently box dyed hair?

  

  Solange Szobolai

  Community Answer

  Yes, I dyed my hair with permanent red dye and it works well, but I would recommend doing it several times or until you are satisfied with the color.

• Question

  What kind of shampoo should I use or does it not matter?

  

  If you're trying to strip your hair of artificial color, Head & Shoulders or any dandruff shampoo is good to pull colors out.

• Question

  What if my vitamin c tablets are "natural orange" flavored?

  

  It'll still lighten your hair. I did it with naturally flavored orange chews, you'll notice it will be orange when you apply it, but it will turn out fine.

• Question

  Should I wet my hair first, or leave it dry?

  

  Wetting it first will allow it to lather up and evenly coat your hair with bubbles.

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Things You'll Need

• Vitamin C tablets
• Shampoo
• Resealable plastic bag
• Rolling pin
• Bowl
• Shower cap
• Conditioner (optional)

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To lighten your hair with Vitamin C, start by putting white Vitamin C tablets in a plastic bag and crushing them into a powder with a rolling pin. Next, mix the powder with a dye-free clarifying shampoo to form a thick paste. Then, apply the mixture to your damp hair and massage it in from the roots to the tips. Once all your hair is coated, put on a shower cap and let the paste sit for 2 hours before rinsing it out. Repeat this process until you get your desired hair color. For more tips from our Beauty co-author on how to speed up the lightening process using a blow dryer, read on!

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How Does Vitamin C Lighten Hair

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Lighten-Your-Hair-Dye-With-Vitamin-C

On Desember 05, 2021 by Jerry

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